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Opening for Broadway's 'Spider-Man' pushed back to Jan. 11, 2011

November 4, 2010 | 9:30
pm

In another setback for a production that has been plagued with delays and spiraling costs, the organizers of the Broadway musical "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" said Thursday that the official opening has been pushed back to Jan. 11 from a previously scheduled opening of Dec. 21.

"Spider-Man" is now set to begin preview performances at the Foxwoods Theatre in New York on Nov. 28, pushed back from Nov. 11. In a statement, Michael Cohl, the musical's producer, said that "shows like ours, that embrace the challenge of opening on Broadway without an out-of-town tryout, often need to adjust their schedules along the way."

Ticket-holders for the postponed performances will be contacted directly and given the ability to exchange their tickets for a future performance at no cost or receive a full refund.

Earlier this week, there were reports that performers in "Spider-Man" had sustained injuries while using the production's complex flying equipment. Thursday's announcement did not make any reference to the reported injuries. Julie Taymor, the show's director, has previously stated that the musical will feature complex aerial stunts and other visual effects.

The new Jan. 11 opening means that "Spider-Man" will have its official unveiling in what has traditionally been one of the toughest times of the year on Broadway -- immediately after the holiday season, when most tourists have left New York.

"Spider-Man" stars Reeve Carney as Peter Parker, Jennifer Damiano as Mary Jane Watson and Patrick Page as the Green Goblin. The music is by U2's Bono and The Edge, while the book for the musical is by Taymor and Glen Berger.

The musical, whose budget is estimated to be well above $55 million, has seen opening dates come and go. At one point, the musical was supposed to open Feb. 18, 2010, but budgetary issues and other problems forced the production to be postponed.

With such a large price tag, "Spider-Man" is believed to be the most expensive show ever to be produced on Broadway. Industry watchers have stated that recouping costs will be difficult and could take years.